Signed Commemorative Postal Cover

Abruzzo was an American businessman turned hot air balloonist; Anderson was a career balloonist with many "firsts" to his name; and Newman co-invented the ultra-light airplane, piloted the first balloon flight across the Pacific Ocean in 1981 and manufactured experimental aircraft. In 1978 these three piloted the Double Eagle II in the first Transatlantic balloon crossing, departing Maine on August 11 and landing in France six days later. For their achievement they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1979. Signed commemorative postal cover honoring this achievement, 6½" X 3½", cancelled in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on April 20, 1979. Envelope bears the 13-cent "French Alliance 1778" stamp and 4-cent "A Public That Reads" stamp and a special postal cancellation featuring an image of the Double Eagle balloon and the caption "Double Eagle II / First Transatlantic Balloon Flight." No decorative printed cachet at left; no distracting recipient's name/address present. Newman signs boldly in black marker near the top, adding "Double Eagle II" below his signature; below this Abruzzo signs boldly, and below him Anderson too signs boldly. Anderson died in a balloon crash in Germany and Abruzzo in a private plane crash -- the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is named in their honor. Also present is a small portion of the original mailing envelope used to transmit this cover (cancelled in Albuquerque July 26, 1976). An Albuquerque philatelic connection is relevant, for the Double Eagle II crew were among those who established this town as the ballooning capital of the world. Quite handsome -- and a scarce trio.